James Gunn unveils secrets from the set of the highly anticipated 2025 Superman movie: “I believe in the goodness of humanity.”
The first trailer for the new Superman movie gives fans a glimpse of the Man of Steel in a vulnerable state. Bloody and battered, he crash-lands in a frozen wasteland, his labored breathing hinting at broken ribs or fluid-filled lungs. Yet amidst the desolation, hope emerges in the form of his loyal canine companion, Krypto. “Take me home,” Superman pleads, a line that captures the emotional core of writer-director James Gunn’s vision for the film.
The trailer is sparse on dialogue, featuring only one other spoken line: a young boy, clutching a makeshift flag, whispers “Superman, Superman” with desperate hope. These moments reflect the themes of resilience and optimism that Gunn seeks to weave into the movie.
Superman, created in 1939, has long symbolized “Truth, Justice, and the American Way.” However, in a changing cultural landscape, DC updated the motto to “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow” in 2021. Speaking at a trailer launch event on the Warner Bros. lot, Gunn addressed how his Superman embodies the decency the character has represented for decades.
“That’s what ‘Take me home’ is all about,” Gunn explained. “At the start of the film, Superman is battered, much like our country. But I believe in the inherent goodness of people. Despite ideological or political divides, most people are doing their best to be good.”
Scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, the new Superman movie is the first solo film for the character since 2013’s Man of Steel. It’s also a cornerstone project for DC Studios co-leads Gunn and Peter Safran, who have ambitious plans for a reimagined DC Universe. To build excitement, Gunn and his team hosted a press event featuring stars David Corenswet (Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor).
Corenswet, known for his roles in Ryan Murphy’s Hollywood and The Politician, admitted there were moments on set when he didn’t feel like Superman. However, seeing his castmates’ reactions reassured him. “It’s like getting a great haircut,” he joked. “You forget about it until people say, ‘Whoa, you look amazing!’ Watching their reactions helped me see Superman through their eyes.”
Brosnahan shared a memorable moment from filming, recalling the first time she saw Corenswet in full costume. “I remember walking through a field and seeing you in the suit. I ran up and said, ‘You are Superman! Crazy.’”
Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, promises to be a compelling antagonist. “Even if you disagree with his methods, you can understand where he’s coming from,” Hoult noted. “His ideology might even seem, in some ways, better for humanity.”
The trailer also teases other heroes in Superman’s world, including Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific. Gunn’s knack for creating beloved animal characters shines with Krypto, who appears more like a scrappy rescue dog than the polished version from comics. “He’s not the best dog,” Gunn teased. “There’s a lot more to Krypto than meets the eye.”
Ultimately, Gunn describes the movie as “a story about kindness.” The trailer hints at a Superman grounded in humanity, striving to inspire hope and a better tomorrow for all.
